temperamental

adjective

ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
Definition of temperamentalnext
1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of temperamental The result is a fascinating deconstruction of the documentary process, with Pretsell both charmed and exasperated by his mercurial and temperamental subject. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026 Weather can be temperamental in the spring, but wildlife emerges from winter slumbers at this time of year. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 As the lead singer of Connect 3, Shane can be temperamental and arrogant. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Ormund, the snooty, temperamental head of House Hightower, is shown charred beyond recognition in the episode's final moments. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
  1. moody
  2. volatile
  3. impulsive
  4. unpredictable
  5. unstable
Adjective
  • Once a basement office, the space was transformed into a moody, eclectic bar.
    — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Lots of velvet, ornate picture frames, dark rooms, formal chandeliers, and moody lighting.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • The war has cast a shadow on Persian Gulf nations that have long presented themselves as paragons of stability in a volatile region, mostly unaffected by the conflicts raging in the wider Middle East.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Daco recommends testing investments against a range of financing costs and maintaining hurdle rates that reflect a structurally higher and more volatile cost of capital.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • But last Christmas, the designer went out on an impulsive—and what would prove to be fateful—run through Paris along the Seine, the city’s famous central waterway.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In many instances Rama approaches difficult situations with restraint and adherence to dharma (righteous conduct), whereas Lakshmana is expressive, impulsive, quick to anger, and distrustful.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of impulsive
Adjective
  • Climbing precarious and unpredictable steps really tests some important mechanics as the technology develops – including balance, real-time decision-making and adaptation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The tightest, most unpredictable race in Illinois this year may actually be the race for Chicago School Board President.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Water essentially acts as a catalyst that spontaneously creates particles known as hydroxyl radicals, unstable molecules linked to aging and disease.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • If a tree appears diseased, unstable or at risk of falling, consider documenting the problem and notifying the owner in writing.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unstable

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temperamental
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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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